THE FORD EDGE is available in four new colors for 2008 models including Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic as pictured.
Two years after its launch, the Ford Edge continues to build on its appeal as one of the best selling crossovers.

Not the easiest thing to pull off considering how stiff the competition is in the segment now with practically every carmaker clamoring for consumers seeking an alternative to trucks and SUVS.

The Edge is definitely a sign that despite some troubles at Ford, it looks like the automaker might be finding a groove in rolling out some cool vehicles with staying power. And a recent second test drive of an Edge reminded me of that.

Mechanically, nothing has changed much with the Edge since it made its street debut in 2007. But it didn’t really need any serious improvements in that area anyway.

The crossover, equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 with 265 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, has more than enough power for those daily commutes.

It’s available in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive and rides and handles more like a car than an SUV, which was one of the things that impressed me most when I first drove it.

The Edge has a gas mileage rating of 16 city/24 highway for the (FWD) front-wheel-drive model. The (AWD) all-wheel-drive model has a gas mileage rating of 15 city/22 highway.

Changes for the Edge are focused around styling and technology. The line-up includes a new top trim level, the Limited, in addition to the existing SE and SEL trims.

There are also four new paint colors in the line-up: Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic and White Sand Tri-Coat. But that orange, officially known as Blazing Copper Metallic, still seems to be one of the Edge’s most iconic colors for street appeal.

Exterior details like the rear features clear-lens tail lamps, a spoiler on the roof’ and a sloping rear window gives the Edge that sporty look that helps to give it appeal.

For 2008, 20-inch chrome rims have been made available on the Edge. The SE models have 17-inch all-season tires. Eighteen-inch all-season tires are also available for 2008.

Interior details on the ’08 model include white-faced gauges and metal accents on the dashboards in the higher trim levels — SEL and Limited.

The Edge line-up also includes a 2009 Sport model that comes standard with 20-inch wheels or available 22-inch wheels, unique body panels, dual exhaust, special seats, and a unique interior trim.

Technology features on the Edge-line-up include Ford’s much-talked about Sync hands-free system, a joint venture with Microsoft that allows drivers to control Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and MP3 players with steering-wheel buttons and voice commands.

One of the coolest features on the Flex is the available Vista Roof panoramic sunroof, which features a moveable roof over the first row of seats and a fixed one for the second row.

Optional equipment includes a DVD-based navigation system that for 2008 adds voice-control, Sirius Satellite Radio and a backseat DVD entertainment system. The crossover is also available with leather seats with contrasting stitching and a new Interior Appearance Package that features with red leather inserts.

Standard safety features include seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags designed to protect front and rear occupants in a side impact, and Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.

Cost? Anywhere from $26,00 for a base model to $33,000. Not bad for a ride that seems to have some staying power as a cool quality vehicle.

EDGE HIGHLIGHTS
Gas Mileage: 16 city/24 hwy (FWD)
Optional 20-inch wheels
Sync Technology
Vista Roof
Sport Model available